Maine at the Ground Floor: Angel Investing and Emerging Industries

Send us Fan MailIn the second half of this conversation on Elegant Maine Living, Elise Kiely continues her discussion with Sandra Stone—former chair of Maine Angels, founder of C Cove Solutions, and a long-time advocate for entrepreneurship and women in investing.This episode offers a clear, accessible look at how angel investing fits into the life cycle of a company—after friends-and-family funding and before traditional venture capital—and why early-stage capital is so critical for founders trying to scale responsibly. Sandra explains how individual investors, pooled funds, and Maine-based institutions work together to support innovation across the state.Elise and Sandra explore:Where angel investing sits in the startup funding journey and how it differs from venture capitalWhy Maine’s geography, coastline, and natural resources have fueled innovation—particularly in aquacultureEmerging investment areas including sustainable products, packaging, and building materialsHow programs like the Maine Seed Tax Credit can meaningfully support Maine-based companies and investorsThe opportunity for investors to mentor founders through board service, advisory roles, and shared expertiseThe founding of the Northern New England Women’s Investor Network and how education and community have helped more women step into angel investing with confidenceThe conversation also touches on the evolution of deal flow at Maine Angels, the shift toward supporting more Maine-based companies, and how angel investing can offer intellectual engagement, community, and purpose—especially for those looking to contribute beyond financial returns.Sandra closes by reflecting on Maine’s pace of life, its culture of stewardship, and her optimism for the future of Maine’s startup and investment ecosystem.Resources & Links Mentioned in This EpisodeMaine Angels – https://www.maineangels.orgFinance Authority of Maine (FAME) – https://www.famemaine.comMaine Seed Capital Tax Credit – https://www.famemaine.com/business-finance/seed-capital-tax-creditMaine Venture Fund – https://www.maineventurefund.comCoastal Enterprises Inc. (including Coastal Ventures Inc.) – https://www.ceimaine.orgNorthern New England Women’s Investor NetworkElegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.Connect with Elise🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at [email protected], share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.